MINISTRY BACKGROUND – Philip EAST

The beginning: In 1981 as an 18 year old I made a life changing decision to follow Jesus. Even though I was raised in a great home with parents who loved me and had a good education, I knew something was missing. At the time of my decision to follow Jesus, hundreds of others were also making decisions for Christ at the church I became a part of in Perth.

Discipleship: In August 1982 at a conference I sensed a clear calling from God to become a minister. I devoted myself to intensive Bible study, leading home groups and organising outreaches. In 1986 I married Jan, who likewise felt the call of God to ministry. 

Pastoring: In 1987 we went to Canberra to pioneer a church. Initially I worked a job while establishing the Church. In the 1990s the Church continued to grow which enabled me to become a full time minister. I conducted crusades and revivals in Fiji, China, Zimbabwe, Indonesia and South Africa.   

Transition: In 1999 I resigned my ministry. I knew it was time to move on. Since then I have been working in the public service, studying Indonesia, preparing leadership material and preaching in churches. In 2005 we as a family moved to Perth so we could be closer to Indonesia. This was a big step of faith which God has honoured.

Indonesian ministry: In 2002 I sensed a linking of my heart with the Indonesian Church when I visited on a ministry trip. I sensed God's calling to partner in equipping leaders  and reaching the unsaved. In 2003 I started East to East Ministries. 

I have developed extensive leadership material. Including a 21 part seminar series entitled “Developing Spiritual Leaders”. It includes seminars on vision, professionalism, raising money and dealing with conflict. I have also completed a series “Growing Great Churches” and "Living the Kingdom".

Some of the highlights of my ministry include:

• Preaching at the 8000 member Mawar Saron GBI with Dr Jacob Nahuway in Jakarta

• Preaching in the 4000 member GBI Rock Church in Bali with Ps Timothy Arifin. As well as ROCK Papua, Sumba, Sumbawa and Jakarta

• Ministering for the 2000 member SJA Church in Kupang, Timor

• Conducting leadership training for SJA leaders in Jakarta

• Ministering with Bethany in Makassar, Malang , Manado, Madiun, Palangkaraya, Kapuas, Banjarmasin, Pontianak, Tual , Jambi, Palembang, and Surabaya

• Preaching and teaching in West Papua:  Jayapura, Timika, Wamena, Sorong, Tembagapura, Dekai (I was the first 'white man' to conduct revival meetings there) and Biak

• Conducting leadership training and revival meetings in Aceh - Banda Aceh and Sabang.

Since moving to Perth  I have been working in an internal communications area for a government agency, studying Indonesian and doing a communications degree at ECU, ministering in local Churches.

In 2008 I released my first book entitled Kuasa Pengampunan - the Power of Forgiveness, in 2010 Kuasa Kemakmuran - the Power of Prosperity, and in 2012 Kuasa Kerajaan - the Power of the Kingdom..

All up I've visited Indonesia 30 times. I've preached in all the major islands and for over 20 different denominations.

Usually I visit Indonesia 4 times a year to conduct leadership training, preaching in Churches and conducting evangelistic meetings. From June 2010 to February 2011 I made 7 trips as I investigated the possibility of full time ministry to Indonesia. We, Jan and I, are considering moving to Bali for 1 year in 2014. Before then I want to complete my degree..

If you are interested in partnering with me or finding out more, please email: philip@philipeast.com  You can also find out more by looking at my blog: http://philipeast.wordpress.com/ or 'follow' me on www.twitter.com or become friend on Facebook.